Candidate: Harold E Byrd Jr

My name is Harold E. Byrd, Jr., and I am running for the Manatee County School Board District 2. It is my desire to provide the necessary leadership, education, and experience to District 2. The youngest of four children born to former Manatee County educators, I learned the importance of a good education. I attended and graduated from public schools in the county before leaving for college.

After returning to the area, I served five terms on the City of Bradenton City Council representing Ward 5. To be better prepared as a decision maker I worked hard to obtain a Law Degree from Florida A & M University College of Law. To complement my law degree, I later obtained a Master of Public Administration degree focusing on public policy and public administration I saw firsthand the compassion, dedication and work ethics exhibited by my mother, Former School Board Member Ruby Byrd in her public service.

During the economic downturn I have had the opportunity to represent a city with manageable growth, strong law enforcement and public safety with reasonable taxes. During that time while on the city council tough decisions were made and Bradenton remained financially sound. We have all made Bradenton a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family and retire. I am grateful to the citizens for the support over the years and will strive to work tirelessly as your Manatee County School Board Member making the same type of tough decisions in educating our kids.

Community Activities

United Way of Manatee County - Board of Directors (former member)

Big Brothers / Big Sisters - Board of Directors (former member)

Manatee Council on Aging - Board of Directors (former member)

St. Paul Baptist Church – (member)

Harold E. Byrd, Sr. Educational Foundation - Executive Director 1998 - Present

Salvation Army Advisory Board – (former member)

Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) – Vice Chairman (former)

Awards Received

Community Service Award - South Atlantic Regional Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Community Service Award - March of Dimes

Mayor’s Citation - City of Sarasota

Human Service Award - Manatee Opportunity Council

Citizen of the Year - Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Community Service Award - The National Forum For Black Public Administrators

Outstanding Service - Manatee County Tourist Development Council

Community Service Award - Beracah Seventh Day Adventist Church

Please feel free to visit our website at www.voteharoldbyrd.com call me at (941) 803-0685